240 Joe wrote:
Thanks to all above for your advice. I think I will keep this boat for several more years. I didn't mention that 2 years ago I had the decals removed and the exterior wet sanded. It's shiny again and looks really good after good detailing and a lot more up to date without the scraped decals.
Has anyone painted the exterior?
I took it to a shop highly recommended by my dealer for boat painting and saw several higher dollar boats he had painted there in his shop. He quoted $5,500 to paint the exterior black sides, the white exterior above the black, and the rear swim platform (except for the rough area where you stand). But upon inspection of the boat he would not do the work. As many have noted on this forum, the H-240s list to the starboard when in dock. Mine has always listed enough that about 2 inches of the black side is under water at rest. The shop owner noticed the list, contacted the paint manufacturer who would not grant a warranty if any part of the paint that was below water on a regular basis so he declined the job.
I'd like to hear from anyone who has painted their boat.
What brand of paint was used? Any blisters? How long did it look shiny, like new?
I don't have a painted hull but the "new" rage is to wrap the boat. My friend has his 45' cruiser wrapped and it looks fantastic. It's a basic grey and looks like a gel coat color. He just bought the boat and the owner said the wrap is about 5 years old. The only issue I can see is dock rash will kill it so you have to be more careful. He as special fender covers to keep it from scratching.
I believe he said to do his 45' was about what your quote is for paint. But you know how boat people exaggerate things, could be more could be less. HA!
Not sure I would paint a white hull white. I would leave the white gel coat and paint or wrap the rest for color. A lot of new boats come painted instead of gel color. I believe Formula boats is one of them.
The other option is to put a bottom paint on the boat if it doesn't have it up over the water line, then paint the rest of the hull. Black bottom paint and black hull side should look pretty close.